Four women have accused Salt Lake City Council Member Eva Lopez Chavez of sexual assault as she runs for Congress in Utah’s newly drawn First Congressional District.
The accusers, who are colleagues from her political career, shared their accounts with the Salt Lake Tribune, which confirmed portions of their stories.
Lopez Chavez has denied all allegations, saying she is shocked by the allegations and is ready to go through a polygraph test if requested. Among the accusers is Council Member Victoria Petro, who alleges that at a 2022 wedding, Lopez Chavez grabbed her throat, pushed her against a pillar, and said, “The only reason I still f**k men is because a woman hasn’t shown me what I really want.” Petro says she reported the incident to Council Chair Alejandro Puy, who has confirmed that Petro told him at the time.
State Senator Jen Plumb alleges Lopez Chavez pushed her against a wall and grabbed her buttocks, asking, “You’re sure you’re straight?” State Representative Hoang Nguyen says Lopez Chavez climbed on top of her in a car, demanding a kiss. Campaign worker Maggie Regier also alleges unwanted physical contact at a 2019 event.
Lopez Chavez’s lawyer, Greg Skordas, has denied all allegations. Lopez Chavez has called for a fair and independent investigation, while continuing her campaign. Utah’s primary election is scheduled for June 23.
